Why does the left downplay antisemitism? All forms of racism should be abhorred

[Behind the Aegis]

(THIS IS THE JEWISH GROUP!)

There is a famous saying in Jewish culture that neatly summarises the history of the Jewish people and the rituals associated with our tradition: “They tried to kill us, we survived, now let’s eat.”

Easily misunderstood and misinterpreted, one of the defining characteristics of Jewish culture and identity is the awareness of historical (and modern) antisemitism. The festival of Purim, held a fortnight ago, tells the story of Haman’s attempted genocide of the Persian Jewish community. Somewhat more well-known in popular culture are the festivals of Passover and Hanukkah, which celebrate the liberation of Jews from the Egyptian and Greek empires.

Since the 1950s, we have commemorated Yom Hashoa, the Jewish day of remembrance for the Holocaust. Unlike the more historical festivals of liberation and survival, there is no great overriding sense of joy; nor is there a celebratory meal attached to it.


In light of this history, it is little surprise that many Jews had a significant relationship with the left for many years. An oppressed and marginalised people for so long, Jews have a natural political affinity with values like freedom of expression, equality, multiculturalism and, certainly, anti-racism. The concept of Jewish self-determination, Zionism, saw itself as a fundamentally left-wing movement in its inception.

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[question everything]

1. Two paths

Not being an expert, I see two paths of modern anti-Semitism:

One is "good old Europe." After the Holocaust and the Vatican declaration, anti Semitism was frown upon in Europe. But now that Israel has shown that the Jews do not always cower, that the Jews can be fighters, yes, even brutal and merciless, that the Jews can have their own group which they can mistreat - Old Europe can breath a sigh of relief. Back to the good old way. We no longer need to be ashamed of this hatred.

Of course, the old "reason" of successful Jews vs. the poor and unemployed, the victims of globalization and of the mismatched European Market contribute.

Then we have the new Arab point. The left traditionally found its strength on campuses. Especially since Socialism has gone out of vogue. Arabs from North Africa have migrated in droves (I hate to use the word that Netanyahu used) to Europe as we all know from events in France and other countries. Many attended universities where "causes" always trumps math studies. And after 1967, when Israel refused to the center of rallies "mourning" the demise of dreams and hopes, and with so many Palestinians now under "occupation," it became the cause of protest.

(Never mind that the West Bank, at least, that was supposed to have been a home for the Palestinians after the UN partition vote of 1947, was annexed by Trans Jordan with only Britain and Pakistan recognizing it).

Yes, succession of Israeli governments mismanaged the territories. It let extreme groups, mostly from the US, to fill the vacuum, to establish facts in the ground. And, yes, Jewish communities around the world do support Israel. Not necessarily the governments, but the existence of a Jewish home for "just in case."

And, of course, there are many Israelis who object to the government policies. Let's not forget: Netanyahu's Likud got 30 seats in the 120 seat Knesset which simple math will say it is 25%. Even with the two extreme right parties, they have 44 seats - 33%.

But there are too many people and groups around the world in search of villains. As I mentioned above: globalization, increasing gaps of "haves" - mostly techies - and "have nots" - service and low wages. I even think that the spread of ISIS is more about attracting the disenfranchised and the unemployed that about religion. Different topic.

At least outside Israel, it is easy for the left to see Jews as the "haves" who do not need the support and protection that the Left has traditionally offered. I think it was in the 60s, that Blacks in America told Jewish groups: thanks, but no, thanks.

I know that in my community, Jewish groups spearhead rallies and support of inner cities residents, of groups that feel neglected and discriminated against. I am sorry to say, though, that I think often they say: Oh, Thank you, but still continue to hate them.